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IHF urges people to make submission on Dying with Dignity bill

Diversity of Voices needs to be heard by Justice Committee

Irish Hospice Foundation (IHF) is today calling for people and organisations to make submissions to the Justice Committee on the Dying with Dignity Bill to ensure a robust and balanced debate on the matter of assisted dying.

IHF wrote to the Justice Committed in November urging them to seek out all sides of the debate in relation to the Dying with Dignity Bill. We believe there needs to be a considered forum to thoroughly examine the proposed legislation before the Oireachtas.

Sharon Foley, CEO of IHF stated:

“Following our letter the Justice Committee responded and requested submissions by the 22nd January, 2021, which we are now drafting. We urge the public and organisations to also make submissions to the Committee in order to ensure that they hear the wide range of views. We will be making our submission outlining relevant case studies and international research available as well as our own learnings from our work in death, dying and bereavement over the last 34 years. Other countries such as New Zealand and Canada invested in a very thorough consultation and debate process before introducing legislation on assisted dying. We believe we can learn from their processes and other international experiences while addressing Irish cultural and societal norms.”

IHF believes the bill is a seismic shift in legislative terms which will impact on all areas of society. It should therefore receive the time it deserves to consider the rich and diverse evidence, views, opinions and anxieties of all the people of Ireland. It is the role of the Justice Committee to ensure that that debate is carried out and with that in mind we would strongly urge people to make their submission by 22nd January next. Email your submission to [email protected]

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